Drinking Water

EPA unveils new lead testing program

The EPA is initiating the Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan to strengthen, update, and clarify existing requirements to test for and reduce lead in drinking water. According to the agency, the action will tighten monitoring, treatment, lead service line management, and customer awareness. The plan also addresses lead in tap water in schools and child-care facilities to further protect vulnerable populations.

“We need to free people from worrying about lead in their drinking water,” said Ben Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water.

In addition, the agency will convene a workshop in mid-2005 to discuss actions that can be taken to reduce the lead content of plumbing fittings and fixtures. EPA also will promote research in key areas, such as alternative approaches to tap monitoring and techniques for lead service line replacement. For more information, visit www.epa.gov.